Atlanta Swimming Pool Maintenance & Spring Opening Checklist

When the cold of winter finally departs in Atlanta, it is time to get started on the opening of your swimming pool for spring. First and foremost, it is vital to take all of the necessary pool safety and chemical precautions when you open your pool.

It is highly recommended that you bring in the professionals to perform your spring pool opening in Atlanta, but if you decide to do it yourself you can use this “Spring Opening Checklist” to keep you on track and streamline the pool opening process.

Pool Chemical Safety

• Visually check all pool chemicals to make sure they are not past their expiration date.
• All pool chemicals past the expiration date need to be properly disposed.
• Keep all chemicals for your pool in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area.
• Never store pool chemicals above eye level.
• Check all pool chemical containers to ensure they are tightly closed.
• Never store liquid chemicals in a space above solid and/or powder chemicals.
• Acids should not be stored next to oxidizers.
• Do not reuse pool chemical containers – discard of all containers properly.
• All pool chemicals need to be stored out of the reach of children.

Equipment Pad Inspection

• Visually inspect filters, the pool pump, and the foundation for cracks and breaks.
• Inspect the drainage area surrounding the equipment pad.
• Go to the pool filter and check the pressure gauge on it.
• Ensure there is not any fraying on any electrical wire components (pump, heater, and filter).
• Before lighting, check the pool heater’s heat exchange.

The Swimming Pool

• Trim shrubs and trees surrounding the swimming pool and deck.
• Use a shop vacuum to remove all water and debris from the pool cover.
• Get 1-3 people help you to carefully remove the pool cover.
• Clean and sweep off the winter pool cover. Allow it to thoroughly dry.
• After it is dry, get at least one person to help you tightly roll and store the cover in a dry place.
• Visually inspect the entire swimming pool, tiles, all pool parts and components, the pool finish, and the pool deck for cracks or areas in need of repair.
• Clean, vacuum, and remove all debris and/or dirt from the swimming pool.
• Begin filling up the swimming pool until the water level is half way up the skimmer weir.

Testing the Water

• Test your swimming pool water for pH, Calcium Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Free Chlorine, and Metals.
• Add the proper quantity of algaecide if needed.
• Use the testing results to determine the amount of necessary chemicals and pool shock to add into the water, and pour them all from a short distance of the pool water to prevent splash back.
• Test the swimming pool water again to ensure the water chemistry is balanced. If no, correct.
• Turn the pool filter on.

Wait a minimum of 24 hours before allowing anyone to swim in the pool so that the pool chemicals have time to sanitize your pool and work properly. If you encounter any issues while performing your spring pool opening, then call in your local Atlanta swimming pool maintenance and service experts at Pinnacle Pool Services. Our highly experienced pool professionals can answer all of your pool related questions and handle all of your swimming pool needs.